Cornering

The Formula 1 racetracks are a series of corners interspaced with straight stretches of varying lengths. The first lesson in learning how to drive well is that the errors made on the bends are paid with precious time loss in a category where every millisecond makes a difference.

Therefore, the driver should try to execute the fastest line in which they can take maximum advantage of the course to take the corner at the fastest speed possible. Instead of using the same angle as the racetrack, the driver should try to find a wider arc with more passing opportunities and reference points.

To help find the ideal racing line of each corner – of which is only one – the driver should divide it into three phases: the entry into the corner or turn-in, which is generally the end of the straight when the driver begins to brake and points the car into the corner; the apex or ‘clipping’ point, when the driver is in the innermost and therefore the slowest part of the corner; and the corner exit, when the car returns to a straight line and gains speed or when the corner can be considered completed and there is a new one to follow.

Simply put, it is possible to say that every corner is made in the same way: enter from outside, taking advantage of the entire track to go to the inside most part and exit from the outside driving near or even over kerbs. The ideal line is the one with the greatest radius – or, in other words, the straightest line – possible between the entry, apex and exit. Of course, there are differences among each type of corner.

In the case of a slower or medium speed corner followed by a straightaway, it might be more beneficial to take a line in which the greatest speed loss in fitting the curve is made up by greater acceleration on the exit. In this case, braking should be delayed and the apex radius will be smaller. A saying about this situation is: “to come out fast you need to enter slowly”. This is the case as well with longer curves and 180-degree hairpin turns.Simply put, it is possible to say that every corner is made in the same way: enter from outside, taking advantage of the entire track to go to the inside most part and exit from the outside driving near or even over kerbs. The ideal line is the one with the greatest radius – or, in other words, the straightest line – possible between the entry, apex and exit. Of course, there are differences among each type of corner.

In the case of a slower or medium speed corner followed by a straightaway, it might be more beneficial to take a line in which the greatest speed loss in fitting the curve is made up by greater acceleration on the exit. In this case, braking should be delayed and the apex radius will be smaller. A saying about this situation is: “to come out fast you need to enter slowly”. This is the case as well with longer curves and 180-degree hairpin turns.

With regard to a series of corners, Ayrton Senna warned that the last corner is the most important and that the line of the first ones should favor a better exit at the end of the series, except when it is at the end of a long straight in which it isn’t possible to sacrifice the first corner for a second one with a better exit.With regard to a series of corners, Ayrton Senna warned that the last corner is the most important and that the line of the first ones should favor a better exit at the end of the series, except when it is at the end of a long straight in which it isn’t possible to sacrifice the first corner for a second one with a better exit.

To maintain control of the car, the driver uses the steering wheel and the throttle, which control the front and rear wheels respectively.

Oversteer balance is recommended for twisty and tight tracks, in order to focus on accelerating out of corners and gain time. In an oversteer situation – the rear of the car rear slides more than its front and the steering angle is less than or counter to the angle of the corner. Deep braking is necessary as well as excellent steering wheel control or the driver may lose control of the car. Onhigh speed cornerswith strong acceleration, the car setup should be done by preferring understeer, so that the front end of the car slightly pushes out and the angle of the steering wheel is greater than the angle of the curve, which is easier to control. This is recommended for faster circuits.

When the course mixes tight and fast corners, a neutral setup is advised for corner exits.

To maintain control of the car, the driver uses the steering wheel and the throttle, which control the front and rear wheels respectively.

Oversteer balance is recommended for twisty and tight tracks, in order to focus on accelerating out of corners and gain time. In an oversteer situation – the rear of the car rear slides more than its front and the steering angle is less than or counter to the angle of the corner. Deep braking is necessary as well as excellent steering wheel control or the driver may lose control of the car. Onhigh speed cornerswith strong acceleration, the car setup should be done by preferring understeer, so that the front end of the car slightly pushes out and the angle of the steering wheel is greater than the angle of the curve, which is easier to control. This is recommended for faster circuits.

When the course mixes tight and fast corners, a neutral setup is advised for corner exits.